The creek was recently cleaned of fallen branches

Sailing up river at Crayford creek

The new-look Crayford creek has been described as “absolutely gorgeous” by a local sailor.

Steering his yacht up-river through the waters, James Gray from Gravesend Sailing Club described the scenery.

He said: “I was curious to see what progress had been made from the recent works.

“It’s surprisingly gorgeous for an area that is effectively London once you get into Crayford.

The creek had been filled with fallen branches from neighbouring trees, until the team from the Dartford and Crayford Creek Restoration Trust saw a chance to clean up the river.

Conrad Broadley, from the trust, contacted Network Rail, who were working nearby, and asked them to help clear the river.

Mr Broadley thanked Network Rail for clearing what he called a “mangrove” of branches gathering in the river.

Sailing his yacht, the Black Sheep, Mr Gray said: “It’s absolutely gorgeous. It could be any creek in the country, the area is quiet and peaceful, it looks like a good place to drop anchor and spend the night.”